Feng Zikang let out a roaring laugh, his arrogance fully displayed. “Even if this life is but a fleeting dream, I will be the master of my own dream, not subject to others!” So what if it is all a dream? To grasp everything within one’s own hands—that is the true path. It is like those who strive for wealth and honor, to bring glory to their ancestors; upon death, all turns to naught. Yet, they cultivate for an entire lifetime solely to achieve immortality, never knowing what lies beyond apotheosis. If one regards all this as merely a dream, then so be it. But even within a dream, there are still triumphs and failures, prosperity and decline. Does viewing it as a dream mean one should become indifferent and cease all effort? The strong remain strong, even within a dream—this is no exception!
Luo Lianxin listened to his impassioned words, and a sudden light flickered in her eyes, suggesting a moment of understanding. Then came the sound of shattering glass—the world around them began to disintegrate. The blood-red cityscape and the desert gradually vanished, and the two of them were suddenly back in the Lingwu Cave! “This is impossible!”
The Celestial Emperor revealed his true form: an old, sickly fish, three or four zhang long, panting heavily in mid-air, froth bubbling from its mouth. It was clear that being forced out of the illusion had inflicted considerable damage upon it. “This was an illusion nested within an illusion—how could you two escape?” Since both had entered the dream together, their dreams had become intertwined. If one awoke, they would simply enter the other's dream. How could they possibly awaken simultaneously and shatter his illusion? “Spare us the nonsense!”
Luo Lianxin recalled her constrained state within the dream. Anger flared within her, and with a swift sweep of her sleeves, a golden, shimmering rope shot out, tightly binding the Han Fish. Amidst Feng Zikang’s long laughter, he drew his sword and swung, cleaving through the crimson protective mist surrounding the creature. Huo Zhonggu saw his chance, let out a roar, and swung his stone club, smashing it down onto the fish's head. Its skull cracked open, its primordial spirit scattered, and it perished instantly. “Hoo!”
Feng Zikang and Luo Lianxin simultaneously felt a lightness envelop them. Two Task Orbs flew out from their chests, flickered once, and disappeared. “Completed!”
The Divine Foundation Establishment Merit Task was finished! Huo Zhonggu was overjoyed and rushed forward to curry favor, hoping to claim some credit for himself. However, as he approached, he saw the figures of the two youths suddenly flash and vanish. ”
Huo Zhonggu was struck dumb with shock. They had completed the task and simply left? What should he do now? He slapped himself hard across the face. Only then did he remember that he was no longer the strand of spiritual essence hidden within Feng Zikang’s Sea of Consciousness, but a reborn demon boar who had possessed a body. “Jun, Junior Brother, you can't abandon me!”
He remembered that his own primordial core was still held by Feng Zikang; if Feng Zikang perished, he would be doomed as well. Moreover, he wasn't there right now to guard him—what was he to do? He burst into bitter sobs, then suddenly sensed the atmosphere behind him was amiss. Turning around, he saw a group of demons staring at him with expressions of pure adoration.
※
When Feng Zikang opened his eyes, he found himself sitting back-to-back with Luo Lianxin on the Great Reincarnation Disk. The disk was still turning slowly, and above them, the sun, moon, and stars shifted limitlessly. Elder Yun was still beaming at them, as if nothing had changed. “Congratulations! Congratulations!”
Elder Yun cheerfully shook his long beard. “You two are the only ones in eight hundred years from the Military School who have successfully completed the Divine Foundation Establishment Merit Task!” The Divine Foundation Establishment Merit Task was practically a formality. Everyone knew it was impossible to pass, and Elder Yun knew it too. Only Luo Lianxin, backed by her Master, had stubbornly chosen it. Later, Feng Zikang had a suspicious element of taking advantage, but Elder Yun would not have agreed to let him choose if his foundation hadn't been so profound.
Returning to the Military School on Dragon-Tiger Mountain, Luo Lianxin seemed to have resumed her usual reserved demeanor. She merely stood up, nodded to Elder Yun in thanks, and then quietly withdrew from the inner chamber of the Merit Hall. However, just before leaving, she turned back to glance at Feng Zikang, a gesture that served as a greeting.
Feng Zikang understood her nature and didn't mind, offering only a faint smile. Elder Yun, however, seemed quite displeased, muttering indistinctly to himself about something. “Hey! Little Fengzi, that young lady clearly doesn't want to rush her Foundation Establishment. Do you want to proceed with yours now? Or should you prepare some materials?”
Now that the Merit Advancement Task was complete, if he only relied on the materials provided by the Great Reincarnation Disk, he could establish his foundation immediately. If he chose to gather the Five Elements Oddities himself, he could delay the process. Feng Zikang considered it for a moment. There was no rush; it was best to be fully prepared. “Martial Uncle-Ancestor, I think I will prepare first. I will return in a few days to trouble you again, elder.” “That works too!” Elder Yun, happy that they had passed the Divine Advancement Merit Task, nodded and let him go.
Feng Zikang returned to the small bamboo grove to quiet his mind and meditate once more. This journey to the True Man Realm had not only improved his strength and cultivation but also completed the Divine Advancement Merit Task, granting him the assistance of the Great Reincarnation Disk for his Foundation Establishment. Yet, he felt that the comprehension of his own heart and mind was even more significant.
The first realization was a deeper understanding of longevity. The Han Fish demon had lived for forty-eight thousand years and possessed mighty divine abilities. Regrettably, he had ultimately failed to take that final step. What good was merely seeking eternal life without grasping the concept of ‘eight advancements’? Feng Zikang understood this truth more profoundly now. ※
Furthermore, the illusionary dream had profoundly stirred his spirit. His demonic instincts, having endured this crucible, were now more tenacious and sharp, which would greatly benefit him in the future. It was only then that he understood why Luo Lianxin insisted on taking on the Divine Foundation Establishment Merit Task, even sacrificing two years of her time. He had only been gone a short while and already gained so much benefit. How could Luo Lianxin, having spent two years in the True Man Realm, have gained nothing? He now held profound admiration for Luo Lianxin’s master, Xiao Zhuchen of Shuiyue Pavilion. Truly, he possessed deep insight, tempering Luo Lianxin so thoroughly in the early stages; she was certain to achieve greatness.
The only regret from this venture was leaving Huo Zhonggu behind. However, now that Feng Zikang was about to reach Foundation Establishment, Huo Zhonggu’s experience and skills were becoming less crucial to him. Moreover, with the control over this fellow senior brother’s life in his hands, letting him develop independently in the True Man Realm might not be an entirely bad thing.
He was fortunate he hadn't released the little fox, Jasmine, or others from the Rouge Box. If they had been left in the True Man Realm, it would have been a true pity. The little fox possessed miraculous talent; who knew what abilities she would have when fully grown? Her potential was limitless. As for Juli'er, her main value lay in her mother, the Ghost King Tu, who was extremely knowledgeable.
Feng Zikang summoned the Ghost King Tu, intending to inquire further about the Five Elements Oddities. Since he had already completed the Divine Merit Task, he would receive the best treatment from the Great Reincarnation Disk. To avoid squandering heavenly resources, choosing the finest Five Elements Oddities for his Foundation Establishment was necessary.
The Ghost King Tu's eyes turned red with envy. As a rogue cultivator, she had never experienced the blessings of the Great Reincarnation Disk. This young master had effortlessly cleared the Divine Advancement Merit Task. When the Great Reincarnation Disk reshaped his very being, he would possess virtually no rivals during the Foundation Establishment stage. However, the Ghost King Tu glanced at Feng Zikang, a flicker of calculation in her eyes. Did he still care about being unrivaled in the Foundation Establishment stage? With his current cultivation, challenging late-stage Foundation Establishment experts wasn't impossible. She suspected that once this brat successfully established his foundation, his next target would be the masters of the Core Formation stage.
As the two were speaking, Feng Zikang suddenly sensed someone approaching the small bamboo grove. He waved a hand, recalling the Ghost King Tu, and gazed out the window. It was Luo Lianxin flying toward him on an artifact. “Oh? Why the sudden visit, Junior Sister?”
Feng Zikang smiled faintly, slightly surprised. Luo Lianxin should be discussing her Foundation Establishment matters with her Master right now; what brought her here? Luo Lianxin first managed a small smile, then quickly reverted to her cold expression. She had been scolded by her Master immediately upon her return and was now extra careful. “My Master instructed that since Junior Brother helped me through this Divine Foundation Establishment Merit Task, I must express my gratitude. I realize that Junior Brother’s cultivation time is short, and Uncle-Master Ye is rather careless, so he might not have prepared things for you. Therefore, I brought these.”
Luo Lianxin opened a sandalwood box. Inside were five items, each wrapped separately in green silk paper, indicating considerable thought. “These are,”
Feng Zikang didn't understand the significance, but Luo Lianxin smiled slightly and first opened the leftmost package. A dazzling golden light erupted, carrying a suffocating aura of ferocity. Upon closer inspection, it was a sharp crystal, flashing with keen edges. It seemed to melt upon contact with the air and attempted to flee the paper wrapping, but Luo Lianxin snatched it up and carefully rewrapped it. “This is Innate Gold Spirit. My Master sought it for ten years in the heavens before finally obtaining two pieces.”
As she spoke, she opened another package. A ball of white flame suddenly sprang up. Luo Lianxin clapped her hands together, flattening it before wrapping it again in green paper. “This is the Aurora Ice Flame, also a divine fire from the heavens. It is by no means inferior to the True Sun Fire…”
Innate Gold Spirit, Aurora Ice Flame, Celestial River Divine Water, Myriad Profound True Wood, Dragon Blood Yellow Earth! All five packages contained rare Five Elements Oddities, far superior to what Feng Zikang had acquired on his own. Even Feng Zikang, who was accustomed to profiting, felt a twinge of embarrassment. “Senior Sister, this gift is perhaps too generous.”
Luo Lianxin meticulously rewrapped the five packages and placed them back into the sandalwood box, smiling faintly with a hint of shyness. “Junior Brother Feng, why speak of such things? When we faced the Ghost-God General together, you risked your life to save me. In this illusion, if you hadn’t awakened me, I might not have escaped either. Such life-saving grace—how can a few mere objects compare?”
She gently pushed the box toward Feng Zikang. “In addition, Senior Sister wants to help you slay another Ghost-God General and obtain its soul fire essence, which will aid in forging your Natal Artifact.” Feng Zikang found it impossible to refuse and accepted the sandalwood box. Hearing her words, he quickly shook his head. “Thank you for your kindness, Senior Sister, but I have already prepared my Natal Artifact; there is no need to forge a new one!” “Oh?” Luo Lianxin was surprised. “Perhaps Junior Brother has acquired some other rare treasure? A Natal Artifact is no small matter; one must be cautious. Even the best item is useless if one cannot control it.”
Feng Zikang let out a hearty laugh, drawing out the Heaven-Swallowing Ancient Sword and handing it to Luo Lianxin for inspection. “The Natal Artifact I shall use is this very sword!”